Seven things we love about BBC Children in Need

Pudsey Bear is here for another year - so what’s your favourite Children in Need memory?

You’ve donned your ears, shown your spots and dressed like a superhero for Children in Need.

But what’s your favourite memory from the campaign over the years?

It’s practically a British institution to get together on a November Friday night and tune in to the charity appeal.

But with stunts, routines and acts aplenty, what’s the best thing you’ve watched for Children in Need?

There are far too many lovely things to count about the annual event - so here are just a few of the things that we think make it special.

THE FUNDRAISING: It’s important to remember that whatever else happens for Children in Need, it is all for a good cause. To date, more than £740 million has been raised to help children across the UK. Whether you’ve hosted a bake sale, run a raffle or dressed in a daft costume, you have contributed to the total. Every little makes a difference.

THE CHARITY SINGLE: Lou Reed and various artists launched Perfect Day as the official single in 1997. It was the first CIN single to reach number one in the charts. Girls Aloud, S Club 7 and McFly are some of the other artists to take part in releasing an official single over the years. The song for this year, Take Me Home, is by Jess Glynne.

THE LIVE MUSIC: In 2009, the charity launched its first live concert - Children in Need Rocks - at the Royal Albert Hall. It was organised by Gary Barlow, and hosted by Fearne Cotton, Chris Moyles and Sir Terry Wogan. Since its inception, the concerts have taken place every two years. Each year on the television appeal, musicians also perform live. Last year, One Direction, Rixton and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini were only some of those to play live. Tonight, Sir Tom Jones and Rob Bryden will host One Big Night for Children in Need on BBC One.

THE TRIP OUT: Last year, BBC Radio 1 headed out to Tendring Technology College for the “best day ever” - hours full of fun and activities for the pupils - and Pudsey. The radio station has been a faithful supporter of the charity event for many of the years with former DJs Chris Moyles and Fearne Cotton, and breakfast show presenter Nick Grimshaw, taking on hosting duties.

THE BEAR:The long-standing mascot of Children in Need is the yellow Pudsey Bear, with his spotted bandana over his eye. His look has been changed and refreshed over the years, but he’s still familiar as the face of the charity appeal.

THE MERCHANDISE: For many years, a special Pudsey-themed t-shirt has been released to raise money for the appeal, along with sets of spotty bear ears. Now, a whole host of items are available to show your support for Children in Need. This year’s t-shirts, featuring gold or black bears, have been designed by Giles Deacon.

THE TELLY BITS: The entertainment has something for everyone - and last year, viewers got a taste of Christmas telly with teasers for Doctor Who and Call the Midwife special episodes. In addition, special television segments are often filmed as part of the appeal - and stars also take part in fundraising activities. Mastermind and The One Show are some of those that have taken part with feature episodes.

Tonights’s appeal show will see some familiar faces, including Tess Daly and Rochelle Humes, take to the stage to host the show. Selena Gomez, Ellie Goulding and Years and Years will perform hit songs live, while stars of Call the Midwife strap on their Strictly Come Dancing shoes for a special episode of the dancing competition, with Sir Bruce Forsyth himself.